Khunn to clash with Ciorcila

France’s Tak Khunn Wang and Patrick Ciorcila of Romania entered the singles final of the Vasan Eye Care-ITF men’s Futures tennis tournament, organised by Tiruchi District Tennis Association, at the Union Club here on Friday.

In the semifinal, Wang breezed past fourth-seeded Thales Turini of Brazil 6-1, 6-3. It was the former’s third victory over a seeded opponent in the tournament.

He had earlier defeated second-seeded N. Sriram Balaji in the first round and eight-seeded Augusto Laranja of Brazil in the quarterfinal.

Wang’s dominance over Turini in the first set was best exemplified by the fact that the latter managed to hold serve only once. Reeling off winners at will, Wang took the opener 6-1.

The Brazilian managed an improved showing in the early stages of the second set, executing a few powerful forehands. However, serving at 2-2, he frittered away a game point before losing serve.

Wang then ensured there was no let up in momentum, pocketing the set and, with it, the match.

In the other semifinal, Ciorcila defeated Filippo Leonardi of Italy 7-6(7), 6-4. Ciorcila raced to a 5-2 lead in the opening set, but the Italian fought back to 5-5. Both players held their subsequent service games to take the set into a tie-break.

Leonardi had three set points, but missed them all, allowing the Romanian to win it 9-7. The second set went with serve till 3-3. But, Ciorcila, who broke his opponent in the seventh game, went on to clinch the set and match.